?<strong>Chapter 396:</strong>


    A blush crept over Joelle’s cheeks, and Adrian’s focus on his work evaporatedpletely.


    He stood abruptly, and Joelle, sensing his intentions, tried to slip away. But Adrian quickly closed the distance between them, crossing the sofa in one fluid motion.


    With ease, he scooped her up and set her down on the sofa, leaving her world tilting as she gazed up at Adrian looming above her.


    A fusion of fear and excitement churned inside her, sending a thrilling shiver through her body.


    Overwhelmed by his feelings, Adrian bent down, kissing her passionately from her neck down to her chest.


    Desire, already kindled, red between them. Joelle’s fingers tangled in his hair, but as Adrian continued his explorations, she felt a sudden surge of panic.


    “No!” she protested.


    Adrian caught her hands, his lips parting slightly.


    “I’m sorry, but I can’t hold back today.”


    Joelle felt a mix of amusement and frustration at his boldness.


    Fortunately, there was a bathroom in Adrian’s study. Without it, Joelle knew she would have been far too mortified to even consider leaving the room.


    Stephen’s eighty-eighth birthday was marked by a nned evening banquet, and Joelle spent her day in her studio.


    As the afternoon waned, Leah arrived with the evening gown, dressing the children in adorable outfits—a sweet little girl and a sharp little boy.


    Joelle chose a white dress, which strikingly contrasted with Adrian’s dark ensemble, ensuring their look was anything but dreary.


    “Ms. Watson, you look truly magnificent!”


    The intern, whom Joelle had decided to keep on a little longer, offered thepliment.


    She had never made any serious mistakes. Would dismissing her for merely small talk with Adrian be fair? Such a decision might make Joelle seem petty and overly obsessed with him.


    Joelle was known for her sound judgment. She wouldn’t lose her temper without good reason.


    “Wow, Mom, you look exceptionally gorgeous!” Aurora eximed.


    Leah had chosen a white, fluffy tulle dress for Aurora as well, making the mother-daughter duo an enchanting sight.


    Rnd clutched arge phone in his small hands, which Leah quickly took from him.


    “We should call Mr. Miller to pick you up.”


    “No need,” Joelle responded with elegance. “Adrian and I decided to go by ourselves.”


    “Huh?” Leah asked, her expression puzzled.


    “But isn’t the whole family going together?”


    “Exactly,” Joelle replied, smoothing her dress and winking at Leah in the mirror. “We’re nning a little surprise.”


    Leah caught on to the scheme, her smile widening in anticipation.


    The Finch Mansion was aze with lights.


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